Washington State has officially stepped up for consumer rights. The Right to Repair Act, signed into law in May 2025, gives individuals and independent service providers more access to essential repair tools, manuals, and parts—especially for electronic devices. While vehicles are not explicitly covered yet, this law opens the door to better transparency and more reliable service options. For local consumers seeking auto repair in Everett, this shift signals a future where independent shops could gain greater access to diagnostic tools and parts, making it easier to receive affordable and high-quality vehicle service.

For vehicle owners in Snohomish County, this shift strongly supports local service providers like Auto Repair Everett, who are committed to honest, thorough, and professional car diagnostic services. In this post, we’ll walk you through the law, what it means for you, and how shops like Auto Repair Everett are already aligning with the law’s goals empowering you to make smarter decisions about your vehicle repairs.

What Is the Washington Right to Repair Act 2025?

HB 1483, also known as the Right to Repair Act, was signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on May 19, 2025. It empowers Washington residents and independent repair providers with broader access to digital electronics repair resources—effective July 27, 2025, with full implementation by January 1, 2026

Key features include:

Open access to repair manuals and software
Independent repair professionals can access the same tools previously limited to manufacturers.
Ban on “parts pairing” practices
Prevents companies from using software to block third-party parts or trigger false error codes.
Data transparency and security
Customers must be notified of any risks to their personal data when a repair involves accessing their devices.

A Brief Timeline of the Right-to-Repair Movement

Understanding the history behind the Right-to-Repair movement adds perspective to Washington’s recent legislation. Here’s how it evolved:

2012 – Massachusetts passes the first vehicle-specific Right-to-Repair law, requiring car manufacturers to provide diagnostic and repair data to independent shops and consumers.
2020 – Massachusetts updates the law to include telematics data, strengthening access to in-vehicle diagnostics.
2021 – The Federal Trade Commission announces support for broader Right-to-Repair rights across industries.
2023 – Minnesota and New York pass state-level electronics repair laws, pressuring OEMs to open up access.
2025 – Washington signs HB 1392 into law, granting access to tools and manuals for digital electronics and setting the stage for potential automotive reform.
2026 – The law takes full effect in Washington, opening access to more repair opportunities for consumers and independent providers.

As the movement grows, local auto shops are aligning with the values behind it. Independent auto repair shops continue to offer high-quality car diagnostic services based on the principles of transparency, fairness, and open access to vehicle data.

What This Means for Car Owners

Although the current law does not directly apply to car manufacturers, it has created a framework that is influencing automotive repair standards. Independent shops, especially those offering car diagnostic services, are now more empowered to fight for the same repair access as dealerships.

And that’s where Auto Repair Everett steps in.

How Auto Repair Everett Helps Local Car Owners

Auto Repair Everett isn’t just another neighborhood garage. It’s a customer-first auto repair shop that has embraced modern tools, diagnostic technology, and transparent service policies, everything the Right-to-Repair Act encourages, even before it’s lawfully extended to the automotive industry.

How the Right-to-Repair Act Affects EV Diagnostics

Electric vehicles in Washington rely heavily on complex software and advanced battery systems. However, many manufacturers limit access to essential diagnostic tools and data, effectively forcing EV owners to depend solely on authorized dealerships for repairs. This creates barriers to affordability, competition, and timely service.

While the current Right to Repair Act primarily addresses consumer electronics, it lays critical groundwork for future legislation. By establishing a precedent for transparency and accessibility, the Right to Repair Act could eventually extend its protections to electric vehicles—granting independent repair shops access to EV software, battery diagnostics, and calibration tools essential for fair and safe servicing.

This shift will help providers like Auto Repair Everett deliver accurate, affordable car diagnostic services for EVs giving owners more choice, faster service, and lower costs.

Washington’s Auto Repair Regulations: RCW 46.71

In addition to the new Right-to-Repair law, Washington has long protected car owners with the Automotive Repair Act (RCW 46.71). This law ensures fair practices for consumers seeking automotive repairs.

Here’s what every car owner should know:

Written Estimates Are Required
For any repair costing more than $100, the shop must provide a written estimate before starting the work.
Your Approval Is Mandatory for Additional Costs
If the final cost exceeds the estimate by 10% or more, the shop must notify you and get approval before proceeding.
Clear Disclosure of Parts and Labor
Shops must clearly list labor costs and specify whether parts used are new, used, or reconditioned.
Transparency Around Warranties
Any warranty on repairs must be explained clearly and in writing, including terms and coverage limits.

These protections, supported by the Right to Repair Act, give you more control over your vehicle repairs—especially when combined with modern car diagnostic services that offer greater accuracy, clarity, and quicker results. Understanding your rights under the Right to Repair Act helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensures your vehicle is serviced by trusted professionals, not just dealership-authorized mechanics.

Here’s how Auto Repair Everett benefits you as a driver:

Advanced Car Diagnostic Services

Modern vehicles are built with complex electronic systems. Whether it’s your engine control unit (ECU), airbag sensors, or even the infotainment system, accurate diagnosis requires high-end tools.
Auto Repair Everett uses advanced diagnostic scanners to:

Read manufacturer-specific fault codes
Perform system resets and software checks
Identify performance issues before they become costly problems

They deliver faster, more accurate diagnostics saving you time and money.

Honest, Transparent Estimates

The shop provides up-front cost breakdowns and never proceeds without your consent. If you’re concerned about being overcharged or upsold don’t be. Transparency is part of their culture, and it aligns directly with Washington’s push for open repair practices.

Access to OEM Parts and Information

While some shops rely solely on third-party information, auto repair Everett ensures they stay updated with the latest technical service bulletins and manufacturer repair procedures giving your car the care it deserves.

No “Manufacturer-Only” Repairs

Manufacturers often make you believe that only their dealerships can service newer car models. Auto Repair Everett breaks that barrier by offering:

Factory-grade tools
Certified technicians
Repairs that don’t void warranties

So, whether your car needs a diagnostic check or a full electrical repair, you have a reliable option outside the dealership network.

Local Convenience with Personalized Service

No long dealership wait times. No impersonal counter talk. Auto Repair Everett offers:

Same-day diagnostics and repairs for most issues
Friendly, local professionals who listen
Convenient scheduling options

In the spirit of the Right-to-Repair movement, they believe you should decide who fixes your car, not the manufacturer.

What’s Next for Auto Repair Rights in Washington?

Even though the law doesn’t cover vehicles (yet), it signals growing pressure for federal legislation such as the proposed REPAIR Act that could soon require automakers to give full access to vehicle repair data. This would officially empower trusted local shops to:

Access real-time software updates
Program keys and ECUs
Perform in-depth calibrations for safety systems like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Auto Repair Everett is already preparing for this future by investing in the latest diagnostic platforms and technician training.

Why Garage One16 Supports the Right to Repair and Why You Should Too

Washington’s Right-to-Repair Act may focus on digital devices for now, but its impact goes far beyond electronics. For car owners in Everett and surrounding areas, the message is clear: independent automotive service matters.

At Garage One16, we proudly reflect the core values of this movement. As a local provider of trusted auto repair Everett services, we believe in transparency, access to information, and customer empowerment. Our team is committed to advanced diagnostics, fair pricing, and personalized care you can count on. By choosing Garage One16 when searching for “car diagnostic services near me”, you’re not just protecting your vehicle, you’re standing up for your right to decide how and where it gets repaired, on your terms, not the manufacturer’s.